Compound Bow Comparator

The Mathews Black Max 2 was the speed conscience of a lineup better known for silence - a 330+ fps Solocam (340+ with the Turbo MaxCam) built on a 5.5-inch brace that, against every expectation, shoots like a sleeper. As a discontinued model it lives entirely on the used market now, typically trading around $250 to $350 depending on condition, draw specs, and included accessories, which makes it one of the more bow-for-the-dollar single cams a patient buyer can find. What you get is genuine speed confirmed by real owner chronograph numbers, a light 3.5-pound carry, a quiet and well-damped shot, and the dead-simple upkeep of a single cam that needs no synchronization. What it asks in return is form: this is a bow for the experienced hunter who owns a clean release, not a first bow to learn on. The tell, for me, is who keeps these - shop-hardened shooters with newer options still reaching for their Black Max 2 because of how it shoots and how little it complains. An excellent bow for the seasoned whitetail and hog hunter who wants a fast, light, quiet single cam and will earn its short brace, particularly strong on long cold treestand sits where weight and quiet matter. Buyers prioritizing a more forgiving draw and a taller, calmer brace should also look at the Bowtech Allegiance. Read full review...

The Bowtech Allegiance is a high quality all around bow with an easily adjustable shooting style. Each Allegiance bow is available in smooth or fast modules to deliver extremely smooth draw cycle or faster speeds. In addition, the let-off can be adjusted easily from 65% to 80%. No bow press is required to change the draw length or adjust the let-off. When it comes to shootability, the bow has a smooth draw cycle and is pretty quiet on the shot even with the speed modules. Ideal for hunting, the Allegiance can also be used successfully for 3D shooting and indoor competitions. Read full review...

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Please see user reviews below.

• Genuine speed for a single cam - owners clock 330 fps at 70 lb and a 30-inch draw with a 350-grain arrow, and still 305 fps pushing a heavy 420-grain hunting shaft
• Shoots far more forgiving than its 5.5-inch brace suggests - a recurring "sleeper" reputation among owners for accuracy and tight groups
• Quiet and calm for a speed bow - String Suppressors and the Harmonic Damping System keep the shot settled, with no forearm slap despite the low brace
• Simple single-cam upkeep - one cam to time off two timing holes and a level string, with no dual-cam synchronization to chase
• Built to outlast its era - machined aluminum riser, SlimLine limbs in machined cups, and an original-owner lifetime warranty keep examples shooting two decades on

• Easily adjustable shooting style: fast or smooth modules + adjustable let-off
• Very solid back wall
• Quiet bow for the speeds it generates
• Modular-adjustable eccentric system (except 2005 version)
• Draw length can be adjusted easily without using a bow press (except 2005 version)
• Great hunting bow also suitable for 3D shooting

• Very fast
• Quiet (for a speed bow)
• Has modular-adjustable eccentric system
• Draw length can be adjusted without using a bow press

• Rewards good form and punishes sloppiness - the low brace and short, aggressive valley are honest about a bad release, so newer archers may want to shoot one first or run the 80% let-off cam for a more relaxed hold
• Every example today is a used bow - string and cable age and the fitted draw-length module vary from bow to bow, so budget for a fresh string set and a cam-module check at a Mathews shop before you trust it in the field

• Draw length specific eccentric system in 2005 (2006-2008 versions are adjustable)
• The grip on the 2005-2006 modifications could be a bit narrower

• Aggressive draw cycle
• Little to no valley - if you creep it wants to go